Division on Aging’s Housing and Home Improvement Program helps Seniors stay in their homes

By bladenonline on 07/19/2017

As our senior adults age, maintaining their independence becomes a high priority. Bladen County Division on Aging’s Housing and Home Improvement Program offers seniors a way to have minor repairs or home modifications made.

The program is funded through the Home and Community Care Block Grant for Older Adults. The Bladen County Board of Commissioners approved the grant as part of the consent agenda during their Monday night meeting. The grant is administered by the Lumber River Council of Government.

Division on Aging Director Kelly Robeson said the grant helps to fund such things as the Housing and Home Improvement Program, Senior Center operations, general transportation, medical transportation, the agency’s In-Home Aide program, Congregant Nutrition, and Home Delivered Nutrition.

Robeson said the Housing and Home Improvement Program builds wheelchair ramps as one of its projects. The program also installs grab bars and hand railings, and assists with the replacement of necessary appliances such as washers, stoves and refrigerators.

Robeson said by far the greatest request is for wheelchair ramps. She said the Bladen Baptist Association assists with the construction of the ramps. Robeson said she will usually give them six projects at a time. There is a waiting list for the installation of ramps.

Robeson said the Housing and Home Improvement Program will also pay for the installation of modifications such a grab bars and hand rails. She said her agency is seeking volunteers who can assist with installing those items.

She said assistance is provided based on the severity of need. Robeson added the funds for Housing and Home Improvement are very limited this year.

“Our nutrition program grew so much, we had to reallocate some of the funds from Housing and Home Improvement for 2018 to nutrition,” said Robeson.

Robeson said the only program offered by the Bladen County Division on Aging with an associated cost is the agency’s Ensure program. She said all other programs have no costs to the participants but anyone may make a voluntary contribution if they so choose.

To learn if you are eligible, contact the Division on Aging at 910-872-6332.